Must a Husband Provide a Servant?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is a husband obligated to provide a servant for his wife if she is used to doing housework herself, is not ill, and is not from a high-status family? Can he expect her to manage the chores if he cannot afford a servant?
Answer
In the Shafi‘i School, a woman is not obligated to perform household chores. This means that, technically, neither spouse is strictly required to manage the domestic duties. However, Islamic jurisprudence also recognizes that practical solutions and mutual cooperation play a significant role in managing marital life. [Nawawi, Al-Majmu‘]
The Husband’s Obligation
A husband must provide his wife with a standard of living similar to what she is accustomed to from her family, including housing and servants, if she had them in her father’s home. However, if she is not from a background where having a servant is customary, and she is accustomed to managing household tasks, he is not required to provide a servant. This obligation adjusts based on the husband’s financial capacity and the wife’s customary lifestyle. [ibid.]
The Sunna of Mutual Cooperation
The Prophet (Allah bless and give him peace) demonstrated a balanced approach to domestic life. He divided duties between his daughter Fatima and her husband Ali (Allah be pleased with them), assigning her the internal household chores while Ali (Allah be pleased with him) managed external tasks. This practice has been part of the Muslim tradition for over a millennium, promoting mutual cooperation and understanding in the home. [Ruhaybani, Matalib Uli al-Nuha]
Furthermore, the example of Lady Fatima (Allah be pleased with her) illustrates the importance of patience and seeking practical solutions. When she requested help due to the hardship of housework, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) advised her on spiritual practices that would give her strength and patience, rather than immediately assigning a servant. [Bukhari]
Practical Application
In light of the Shafi‘i ruling and Prophetic guidance, while a wife is not obliged to perform housework, mutual understanding and cooperation are encouraged. If the husband cannot afford a servant and the wife is capable of managing chores, it is reasonable to expect her to contribute to household duties, especially if both parties communicate openly and work together in a spirit of love and respect.
The Prophet’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) example teaches us that a harmonious home is built on mutual support, kindness, and understanding. It is recommended to discuss the division of chores, seek help if needed, and involve children in household responsibilities to create a balanced and supportive environment.
Mutual kindness and cooperation are encouraged in all marital relationships, as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The best of you are those who are best to their families.” [Tirmidhi]
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
